What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you need heating, air conditioning or plumbing services from Knochelmann Service Experts, you will handle the trip charge and a diagnostic fee individually. A number of companies you’ve worked with in the past most likely combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we feel we can offer you greater value by separating the two.

What's a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to visit your home. Sometimes called a service call fee, this payment is the base rate for sending our technicians, equipment and expertise to your front door. If you would like to avoid trip charges in the future, you can look into joining one of our membership programs.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee pays for the services required to determine the source of a problem. With plumbing, this could be comprised of scoping. For HVAC repairs, it might involve inspecting the inside of your unit. If you decide to use Knochelmann Service Experts for any repairs, the diagnostic fee would be rolled into the repair costs. But bear in mind, you are charged for the diagnostic services alone if you don't.

What Are the Differences Between a Trip Fee and a Diagnostic Fee

In most cases, a trip fee covers sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your home, while the diagnostic fee addresses all the work concerned with assessing the problem and working up a plan for repairs. If you pay for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee as it'll be included with the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated?

Many plumbers and HVAC companies charge one fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. Instead of charging you for two services together, we prefer two separate fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.